Hi everyone! I’m new to the forums and would love to be part of this thread. I’ve been exercising and dieting pretty consistently for the last 7 months, and have lost about 30 for the 40 pounds I had gained in the last few years.

My story: I used to run but developed achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis in both of my feet, so I was pretty inactive for about 4 years. Last winter I finally broke down and went to physical therapy for 5 months and it really helped with the pain and being able to do stuff. My feet used to hurt so much that even walking around a little bit or going out and doing stuff was hard, and I would be in a ton of pain after any activity. Once I was released from PT, I joined my local Y, and since then have been doing fitness classes there pretty regularly – 4-5 times a week. I mostly do Zumba and another dance-cardio fitness class they offer, and it has been so good not only physically but for my mental health.

I felt so uncomfortable and uncoordinated for the first bunch of classes, and it was hard because everyone there already knew each other and I was new and knew no one, but I’m so glad I stuck with it. Now I look forward to my classes every day, have gotten to know others in the classes, and feel like I’ve gotten pretty good at it. I also find myself listening to a lot more music and being more active throughout my day. Anyone else do Zumba or other fitness classes?